1988 Volkswagen Golf
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Golf › 1988
These records cover every 1988 Volkswagen Golf. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1988 Volkswagen Golf. Newest first.
Certain hydraulic brake hoses, p/n 171.611.107b, sold as replacement equipment for 1975-1985 volkswagen (VW) rabbit; 1985-1992 VW golf; and 1980-1992 VW jetta passenger vehicles. possible brake hose rupture could occur which fails to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 106, "brake hoses."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Brake hose rupture could result in loss of braking ability, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Foreign parts distributors will notify owners and replace the brake hoses with compliant brake hoses. the recall began on march 30, 2006. owners may contact foreign parts distributors at 305-885-8646 ext. 11.
An engine preheating tube may not be properly supported due to a missing support bracket, causing the preheating tube to chafe against the right front metal brake line. This can damage the hydraulic line, causing brake fluid leakage and diminished braking in one brake circuit.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Diminished braking can result in increased stoppingdistances and a possible accident.
Remedy
Dealers will install a preheating tube support bracket to ensure proper positioning relative to the right front metal brake line.
The end cap connecting the heat exchanger's core to the engine cooling system could rupture and allow hot coolant to escape into the passenger compartment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The coolant escaping into the passenger compartment couldcontact the driver's feet and injure the driver. Also, steam from the heatedliquid will cloud on the window surfaces and impair the driver's vision andcould result in a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Replace the heater core with an improved heater core.
The fuel hose attached to the fuel distribution rail on the engine may shrink beyond the clamp force of the fuel hose clamps, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the engine compartment can cause an underhood fire if the fuel comes in contact with a source of ignition.
Remedy
Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.
Seat belt retractor pawl may not meet hardening specifications contained in volkswagens design standard.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Vehicles do not meet volkswagens design standard.
Remedy
Replace front passive restraint seat belt assembly as necessary.
Certain vehicles may not be marked with letters res to identify the resume function as required by fmvss 101.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Vehicles do not comply with fmvss 101.
Remedy
Replace part of cruise switch portion.
Owner complaints
9 complaints2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Visibility
1. I was driving home from school when the windshield fogged up and I was forced to roll down the window so I could see how far I was to the shoulder of the road. 2. 3. I had the heater core bypassed so I can drive the car at least. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While driving the vehicle stalled, the consumer pulled over and restarted the vehicle when he noticed flames coming from under the hood (ohio traffic crash report). nlm
- Electrical system › Horn
The horn assembly IS placed in the front left portion of the automoible close to the road surface. When water splashes up from the front left tire, it causes one or both of the dual horn system to fail, creating a potentially dangerous situation of not being able to use horn in an emergency. *ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Vehicle IS leaking anti-freeze from heater core, resulting in a bad odor within the passenger's compartment. Also, windows fog up. Consumer noted recall number 92v050000. However, this vehicle IS not included due to vin. please provide any further details. *Ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Driving in rainy weather ot through even a slight puddle , vehicle loses its power steering. this happened even after new belts were installed. *ak
- Seat belts › Front
Vehicle has a two point seat belt restraint system; there are no lap belts. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
An electrical short in the dash, caused the dash to catch on fire while vehicle was parked.*ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Power steering failure, while driving through even a slight puddle vehicle loses its power steering. *ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Heater core failed. *Sd
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Heater core failure
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 621613Subject regarding latch system lower anchors and tethers for children, installing / retrofitting.
Every Volkswagen Golf model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.